Malaysia’s state broadcaster has suspended Santiago of the Seas after viewers claimed an episode showed Rio, a mermaid, kissing his partner Martin on the cheek. RTM said its review found “no actions or displays of affection suggesting same-sex relationships,” but halted the show “to avoid public sensitivities.” The move adds to Malaysia’s crackdowns on LGBTQ visibility, from banning films to seizing Pride-themed items. Islamist leaders condemned the cartoon as a “serious threat to the moral fabric of our society,” even as critics online mocked the idea. One commenter said, “No one becomes gay because they saw a boy peck a boy on the cheek.”
